Alfred University, New York, USA

Alfred University : Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Fees, and Scholarships

Imagine world-class education in the lap of nature, where students are empowered to explore their potential on their terms; that is the aptest description of Alfred University (AU). Located in New York at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, about an hour west of Corning, it never loses touch with the metropolitan. Alfred University was founded in 1836 and is one of the first coeducational organizations in the States which also provides state-sponsored programs in engineering and art, and design. 

An acceptance rate of 64% makes the admission process moderately competitive for aspiring applicants. AU offers over 47 majors and 65 minors and allows the mixing and matching of undergraduate courses to fulfill the educational goal of every student. Those who wish to continue their studies at the postgraduate and doctoral levels can choose from 25 graduate and professional certification programs. Out of the diverse range of courses offered by the university, it is renowned for its School of Art and Design (particularly in ceramics) and School of Engineering, both of which are semi-autonomous and have their own Dean.

With a student population of approximately 2,000 undergraduates and 300 graduate students from 43 states and 16 countries, this private institute is a blend of cultures and social life. International students make nearly 3.5% of the total student population. The annual tuition fee of the university approximates 36,280 USD. However, the financial burden plummets significantly with the help of financial aid aggregating up to 25m USD, presented in the form of scholarships and grants to international students.

Alfred University Rankings 

• #9 in best value schools according to US News 2022 report
• Washington Monthly and College Guide and Rankings report ranked Alfred University among top colleges and universities in 2019
•  #2 on Princeton Review in their listings of the top schools in the country 2022 edition
• Ranked #62 in Niche 2020 best art college in America
• Ranked #162 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program in US News 2022 listing

Why study at the university?

• Alfred University teaches its students to perform beyond the classroom-oriented environment with over 80 student-led clubs and the opportunity to impart personal acquisitions with others. 
•  Individual potential is allowed to thrive in small batches consisting of 18 students on average.
• Over 90% of the faculty comprises doctorates or terminal degrees holders.
• The university produces over 98% of graduates employed within 6-months of graduation in top-notch conglomerates such as Tesla, the Navy Seals, Apple, and Meals on Wheels. 
• The Alfred University Applied and Experiential Learning Program (APEX) allows juniors and seniors to apply for up to 1,000 USD in funding to engage in work experience and study/research opportunities to enhance their career decision-making
• Roughly 30% of all undergraduates play a varsity sport, and approximately half of all AU students participate in either intramural or club sports.
• The campus stretches across 232-acres of land, encompassing more than 50 academic and residential buildings alongside 400 acres of recreational land.

Keeping these factors in mind, it becomes apparent that Alfred University is among the top higher education institutions to study in the USA.

Programs and courses offered by Alfred University

The university provides courses at bachelor, master, post-master, and Doctoral levels.

Undergraduate Programs :

Apart from internship and research opportunities, the university offers around 47 undergraduate majors and 65 minors in business, liberal arts, engineering, performing arts, ceramics, and art and design.

Postgraduate Programs :

Alfred University provides a vibrant intellectual community for select students to continue their studies at the master’s and doctoral levels. The university is internationally recognized for the quality of its advanced degree programs. 

Campus and Accommodation

The campus is equipped with two libraries containing extensive electronic resources to support undergraduate and graduate programs. College premises include a tennis court, softball complex, family wellness center, ceramic art museum, and a performing arts center.

Alfred University is a residential institution with a six-semester on-campus housing requirement. Student rooms vary in size and shape. Each room, however, is furnished, per student, with one single bed/mattress (extra-long twin, 36×80), one desk/chair, one dresser, one closet, and window blinds. Room rates include television cable, internet, and laundry expenses. The average room rate is estimated to be 12,718 USD. 

Admission requirements for international students

The university charges 60 USD for the processing of each application. Due to the acceptance rate of 63.5%, admissions officials at Alfred University consider the GPA of a student as the paramount academic factor. Letters of recommendation also play a significant role in admissions at Alfred University. The deadline for applying to the university is March 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester. Students can either apply via Gyanberry Admission Services or through the university’s official website.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements 

Official transcripts

• International students must submit original or certified copies of all secondary and post-secondary transcripts or records of grades to date and show proof of graduation. 
• International student records must be evaluated by either the World Evaluation Services organization or Education Evaluators International.

Personal Statement

• Essay delineating the primary reasons to be selected in the university.

Letter(s) of Recommendation

• At least one letter of recommendation from a school counselor or academic instructor is required. These can be uploaded to the Common Application or sent directly to our office.

Test Scores

• Submission of official scores from either the SAT, the ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS examinations. 

Art Portfolio (School of Art and Design Applicants)

• Applicants to the School of Art and Design are required to submit a portfolio

Graduate/postgraduate Admission Requirements 

Test Scores

The language of instruction at Alfred University is English. All international applicants who have not received a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a US institution must take one of the following examinations:

• TOEFL: Written Exam: A score of 590 or better (550 for the MFA program) Internet-Based Test: A score of 90 or better
• IELTS: A score of 6.5 (6.0 for the MFA program) or better is required.

Depending on the course chosen, the applicant could be required to give GRE.

Resume

• Graduate applicants are required to submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae with their application. This document can be uploaded to the application page or submitted via email.

Letter(s) of Recommendation

• All graduate programs require two letters of recommendation, while some programs might require three letters.

Statement of Interest

• Submission of a written statement describing your career goals and reasons for the chosen field of graduate study.

Transcripts

• Official transcripts/mark sheets (in English) from every college or university previously attended, including proof that you hold the baccalaureate degree. These records must be sent directly from the college or university with appropriate certifications. Photocopies or facsimiles are not accepted. 

Interview

Some graduate programs require an interview for admission to their graduate programs.

Tuition, fees, and total cost of attendance: 

The tuition rates vary for international students depending on their choice of program and study area. Annual tuition rates for international students have been mentioned above in the programs section.

The cost of living for students opting to live on the university campus has been tabulated below.

The annual cost of attendance (inclusive of tuition, fees, and cost of living) for international undergraduate students at Alfred University is 52,728 USD or 193,665 AED.

Scholarships for International Students

A scholarship is a form of gift assistance awarded based on merit. Most scholarships are renewable for four years. Alfred University offers a wide variety of scholarships to acknowledge the special abilities of international students that could cover up to 50%-75% of their total tuition fee.

Alfred University Academic Scholarships 

Academic scholarships are merit-based awards provided each year to entering freshman and transfer students. The selection of scholarship recipients is based on the information submitted as a candidate for admission and is coordinated by the Alfred University Admissions Office. Most awards are available to students for up to eight semesters, contingent upon full-time attendance, and compliance with Alfred University’s Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. 

Alfred University Endowed Grants and Scholarships 

These awards are made possible by the annual earnings of restricted gifts invested with Alfred University’s endowment fund. Students selected to receive these awards must meet criteria as specified by each donor and, in most cases, demonstrate financial need. 

Alfred University Trustee and Ceramic Grants 

These need-based grants are made possible through funds budgeted each year. Students are considered based on family circumstances and financial needs as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Students must be enrolled full-time, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and demonstrate financial need to continue receiving funds. Alfred University On-Campus Housing Grant Housing grants are University-funded grant awards based on financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Students must reside in a University-owned or operated housing facility to receive this grant. In addition to residing in University housing, students must be enrolled full-time, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and demonstrate financial need to continue receiving this grant.